If your home or business was damaged or destroyed by flood, you face major decisions about your property. Visit our Mitigation page for information and resources for residents and communities in Texas.

Two Years After Hurricane Harvey

Harvey Timeline

Aug. 23, 2017: Harvey reformed into a tropical depression after hitting the warm waters of the Bay of Campeche and the western Gulf of Mexico. The storm had previously dissipated after hitting the Windward Islands. The governor of Texas issued a state disaster declaration for 30 counties.

Aug. 24, 2017: Tropical Storm Harvey strengthened into a hurricane. FEMA established an Incident Support Base at Randolph Auxiliary Airfield near Seguin, Texas, to pre-position supplies including water, meals, blankets and other resources closer to the potentially affected areas, should they be needed and requested by the state. State and local officials would then be responsible for distributing any supplies to their communities.

Aug. 25, 2017: Harvey became a Category 3 major hurricane and quickly gained strength to become a Category 4 storm. That night, Harvey made landfall on San Jose Island between Port Aransas and Port O’Connor as a Category 4 hurricane. Harvey made a second landfall at Holiday Beach as a Category 3 storm. The president issued a major disaster declaration for the State of Texas.

Aug. 26, 2017: FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) began in Texas. Harvey weakened into a tropical storm. More than 15 inches of rain fell over San Patricio, Refugio, Nueces and Aransas counties as Harvey headed north toward Victoria County. The governor added 20 more counties to the state declaration.

Aug. 29, 2017: Tropical Storm Harvey moved back into the Gulf of Mexico.

Aug. 30, 2017: Harvey made its final landfall near Cameron, La.

Sept. 7, 2017: The governor signed a proclamation creating the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas. The State of Texas requested FEMA provide manufactured housing units and travel trailers for Hurricane Harvey survivors.

Sept. 18, 2017: $1 billion in disaster assistance and flood insurance claims were in the hands of Texans recovering from Harvey.

Sept. 22, 2017: The Texas General Land Office signed an agreement with FEMA which includes a new model for simplifying and expediting the transition out of sheltering to short-term and long-term housing recovery efforts.

Sept. 25, 2017: FEMA Community Education and Outreach mission began in the Crosby Ace Hardware store.

Oct. 7, 2017: First MHU licensed in to Aransas County applicant.

Oct. 31, 2017: Deadline for local and state governments as well as nonprofit organizations to request reimbursements from FEMA Public Assistance.

Nov. 30, 2017: Deadline for survivors to register with FEMA.

April 20, 2018: Last day for most survivors to schedule an inspection for the Direct Assistance for Limited Home Repairs program (DALHR).

June 1, 2018: FEMA Joint Field Office in Austin became the Texas Recovery Office.

June 30, 2018: End of the TSA program in Texas.

Aug. 25, 2018: One year after Hurricane Harvey first made landfall in Texas.

October 2018: FEMA Public Assistance granted its first billion dollars to Texas communities, nonprofits and state agencies.

March 2018: First Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds provided to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for $ 3 million.

Nov. 28, 2018: The FEMA/GLO housing mission was extended for the first time. The housing mission was slated to end Feb. 25, 2019, but was extended until Aug. 25, 2019.

July 25, 2019: The FEMA/GLO housing mission was extended for the second time. The housing mission was slated to end Aug. 25, 2019, but was extended until Feb. 25, 2020.

Aug. 25, 2019: Two years since Hurricane Harvey first made landfall in Texas.

HURRICANE HARVEY BY THE NUMBERS

Harvey: 2 years later

1: It takes ONE team of partners at the local, state and federal level, and from nonprofit agencies, the private sector and the survivors themselves to recover from Hurricane Harvey.

41: Counties designated for Individual Assistance.

53: Counties designated for Public Assistance.

306: Communities in Harvey-impacted area participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Immediate Disaster Case Management. Call the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 855-742-5989 to talk with trained case managers who can assist recovery by referring you to available resources.

If you need help cleaning up your flood-damaged home, call (844) 965-1386. In support of Texas 2-1-1, the Cleanup Assistance Helpline is helping connect Texas survivors with the services they need in their community.

Crisis Counseling. Call the federal Disaster Distress Help Line at 800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to talk to a professional who can help you cope with emotional distress from the storm.

Help for veterans. Call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline at 800-507-4571 or visit the VA website at va.gov/.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). If you are out of work or lost income due to Hurricane Harvey and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits, you may be eligible for DUA. Visit the Texas Workforce Commission website at twc.state.tx.us/ to apply.

Stay in touch with FEMA. If you haven’t registered, need to update changes to your contact information or find more information on types of assistance, call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or go online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Beware of Fraud & Other Scams

After a disaster scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals may attempt to prey on vulnerable survivors. The most common post-disaster fraud practices include phony housing inspectors, fraudulent building contractors, bogus pleas for disaster donations and fake offers of state or federal aid.

Survivors should keep in mind:

FEMA does not authorize individual contractors to solicit on its behalf. Beware of any individual contractors contacting you directly on behalf of FEMA to sign you up for debris removal or remediation services.

If you have any concerns about individuals representing themselves as FEMA or would like to report fraud, please contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721 or via email at disaster@leo.gov.

Federal and state workers will never ask for or accept money and always carry identification badges

There is NO FEE required to apply for or to get disaster assistance from FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration or the state

Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail or email, text or in person

Price Gouging

Price gouging occurs when a supplier marks up the price of an item more than is justified by his actual costs. Survivors are particularly susceptible because their needs are immediate, and have few alternatives to choose from. If you find price gouging, contact you the Texas State Office of the Attorney General.

Survivors should take steps to protect themselves and avoid fraud when hiring contractors to clean property, remove debris or make repairs.

Simple rules to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

Only use contractors licensed by your state

Get a written estimate and get more than one estimate

Demand and check references

Ask for proof of insurance

i.e., liability and Workmen's Compensation

Insist on a written contract and refuse to sign a contract with blank spaces

Get any guarantees in writing

Make final payments only after the work is completed

Pay by check.

The best way to avoid fraud is to arm yourself against it by having a checklist to remind you of what you need to demand when hiring a contractor.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

The following materials comprise a current collection of NFIP resources, fact sheet and infographics developed in response to hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, as well as some other products, available for your use.

Visit FEMA’s How do I File My Flood Claim? site that explains the claims process and steps to follow as you file and work with your agent and adjuster. The more you know, the smoother the process will go.

FEMA’s How do I File My Flood Claim? This page offers more details on each of the steps below, along with more information for Hurricane Harvey survivors who have flood insurance with the National Flood Insurance Program.

Note for Hurricane Harvey Survivors: Although ordinarily required within 60 days from the date of loss, completing a Proof of Loss (POL) will be waived for a period of one-year. The insurance company will accept the adjuster’s report to pay your claim. You will need a POL if you find additional flood damage or if you disagree with what the insurance company pays you.

Please keep in mind that even after you receive an initial payment for your flood claim, you have the option to request additional payment. You will need to submit a POL by one year from the date of loss if you request additional payment(s).

Unsatisfied With Your Claim Payment? If after you receive a denial letter (for all or some of your flood insurance claim) from your insurer you are unsatisfied with the dollar amount being offered for flood-loss repairs or replacements, you may explore other options. These options are only available for policyholders who have received a denial letter.

Hazard Mitigation

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides funding for long-term public assistance mitigation measures following major disaster declarations.

FEMA's 404 Mitigation Program provides funding for damaged and non-damaged facilities based on a percentage of dollars obligated to the PA and IA programs.

Stay Up to Date

Visit the FEMA Social Hub for updates from official emergency management social media accounts.

Download the FEMA Mobile App to receive alerts from the National Weather Service, get safety and survival tips, customize your emergency checklist, find your local shelter, and upload your disaster photos to help first responders.

How to Help

Cash is best. Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery.

* Dollars Approved: Assistance dollars approved but not necessarily disbursed.
✝ Dollars Obligated: Funds made available to the State via electronic transfer following FEMA's final review and approval of Public Assistance projects.